The Amazing Qualities of Teak
By Paul Dunn
Tectona Grandis, more commonly known as Teak, is native to India and Malay Archipelago and is cultivated in the Philippines and Java. Teak trees reach a height of about 100 feet and sprout white flowers arranged in clusters and a fruit called drupe. Teak is known throughout the world for its durability and strength and has been used for shipbuilding and the construction of furniture for hundreds of years. Other qualities include:
Its Long-Lasting Teak is an extremely dense hardwood. It is both the longest lasting and most expensive of all woods species used in wood patio furniture construction. The reason Teak is so expensive is because of the cultivation process involved in producing Teak trees of harvestable size takes 60 to 100 years. With proper care, teak furniture can last 50 to 100 years making Teak an excellent choice in wood patio furniture.
Its Durable The high level of natural Teak oil in the timber acts as an insect repellent making the wood extremely resistant to rot and decay caused by bacteria and fungus or attack by termites.
It Doesnt Warp Teaks density helps it resist warping, shrinking, and swelling in all weather conditions.
Its Environmentally Friendly Indonesian Plantation Teak trees are regulated by the government which sets guidelines about the size and number of trees that may be harvested as well as ensuring that trees are replanted to maintain the productivity of Teak forests for future generations.
It Stays Cool Unlike plastic or metal furniture, Teak patio furniture naturally stays neutral in temperature.
It Beautifies With Age After time, Teak will develop a silver-grey patina which actually helps protect the wood and gives your furniture a rich and majestic look. Over time your Teak patio furniture will naturally blend into the environment in which its placed.
It Smells Great Teak has a faint, pleasant aroma.
Its a Natural Alternative to Chemically Treated Wood Much of today's outdoor furniture is soaked in toxic chemical preservatives such as copper, arsenic, and chromium.
Consider the Advantages of Using Teak Unlike plastic or resin furniture, Teak will not bow or sag over time and you won't come out to find your new patio set blown across the yard. Your Teak furniture will not become dull, sun scorched, and faded, but rather will hold its handsome appearance year after year. Teak is an all around safer and healthier choice for patio furniture and outdoor dining sets compared to other wood materials that have been treated with preservatives.
Wood patio furniture made from Teak has all the qualities needed for surviving the sometimes harsh conditions outdoors, and besides that, it looks and smells great too.
